PARKER RESTORATIONS

[Bruce Day]

If "restored" means to return to the condition it was when it left the factory, there are very few restorations and very few capable of doing them, and a true restoration is costly.

There are many refinished guns that were intended to be restorations.

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Bruce Day

If "restored" means to return to the condition it was when it left the factory, there are very few restorations and very few capable of doing them, and a true restoration is costly.

There are many refinished guns that were intended to be restorations.

That sums it up.

[Bill Murphy]

I agree with Bruce. A restoration is a rare bird. Most refinished Parkers are just that, refinished, not restored.

[LongShot]

In what ways does a restoration go beyond refinishing?

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by paul shields

In what ways does a restoration go beyond refinishing?

It has a new finish on it. Is it restored?

[Bill Murphy]

If the original stock is damaged beyond normal refinishing, restocking in identical original style and finish with original hardware. Reengraving all original metal to new condition. All finishes true to original method and appearance, including trigger guard, all screws, sights. Repairing all damage to metal surfaces and corners. All features true to factory provenance. Even with all these attentions to detail, top of the line workmanship is neccesary to keep the restoration up to high standards. With a Parker, the restoration of the case hardening color, even under the best of conditions, can come out somewhat different from the original style, spoiling an expensive restoration. It will still be a nice gun, but can be identified as different from an original finish by an experienced Parker student.

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by paul shields

In what ways does a restoration go beyond refinishing?

It has a new finish on it. Is it restored?

PS I'm not suggesting that there be any public criticism of either of these guns or even that they are subject to criticism. In my non expert opinion, both are well done refinishes, and I leave it to the viewer to conclude whether they are restorations to the level of original high condition Parkers.